Frequently Asked Questions . . .

"What is therapy?"

Psychotherapy is treatment of emotional and behavioral problems. When you embark on this path, you can explore how your emotions affect the way that you behave, react to situations and make decisions. Many people don't understand the process and think it is merely talking or having a conversation. However, the trained psychotherapist understands the workings of human emotions and can help you explore feelings and behaviors and how they can limit the way you function in life. Through therapy you can also develop skills to help you be more effective in the way you deal with others and situations.

Many people ask me what is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. In fact, you will hear different names for therapists, i.e. psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers. These names really refer to the level of education and degree that the therapist has earned. The letters following a person's name (for example, PsyD, MD, LMHC or LCSW) identify the training and college degree that these individuals have earned.

"How do I know what the difference is between these types of therapists and what kind I should look for?"

Psychiatrists are doctors of medicine (M.D.) who specialize in disorders of the brain and mind. They are knowledgeable in prescribing medicine, and generally prescribe and monitor medication. Many psychiatrists do not provide traditional talk therapy.

Clinical Psychologists are doctors of psychology who are trained in talk therapy. To be called a psychologist in the state of Florida the therapist MUST have a doctorate. This separates them from therapists who practice with a Master’s degree, such as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Psychologists can have one of the following doctoral degrees: a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) or an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education).) Only psychologists can do diagnostic testing and assessment, as well as treatment.

If a psychologist feels that medication may benefit a client, a referral is made to a psychiatrist, family doctor, pediatrician or internist. The psychologist will continue to provide regular treatment (usually weekly) while the psychiatrist or family doctor prescribes and monitors the medication (usually on a monthly or every 3-month schedule).

"How do I know if I need psychotherapy?"

Sometimes you may find that your ability to function in your daily life has changed. You may notice that

• the way you feel affects your concentration and functioning on the job, your interaction in relationships, or your sleep or appetite
• you may feel worried, apprehensive or sad all the time
  
• you notice a pattern of self-defeating behavior that you seem unable to change
  
• you feel that you do not want to interact with others, feel lonely or that you cannot trust others.

"How does psychotherapy help?"

Therapy gives you the opportunity to explore your emotions and difficulties with someone who is trained and is objective. You will find that it is easier to open up with issues that you are unable to discuss with friends or family members.

It may be surprising that just expressing your concerns out loud can help you clarify and understand much of what is going on. Then, you and your therapist can identify the issues that are maintaining persistent problems, negative thoughts and unhealthy patterns of behaviors that interfere with your living a happier and healthier life. Your therapist can also help you to find ways to approach life in a more positive and healthy manner.

"How long does therapy take?"

How long you are in therapy depends on what you want to accomplish. Some goals are very specific and may take less time to achieve. Others will take longer, specially if you need to address more long-standing and deeper emotions. Long-term therapy is better able to address subtle emotional issues, such as long-standing dissatisfaction with different areas of your life. Long-term therapy goes deeper into the origins of unwanted feelings and behaviors, and can help you to change undesirable patterns of thinking, feeling and acting. Long-term therapy is less structured than short-term, and it can be very effective in alleviating emotional distress and promoting change.

Your therapist will help you plan a course of action for your treatment after two or three sessions, once he or she has assessed your needs.

"What can I expect from my first appointment with a psychologist?"

Many people are anxious and concerned when they are on the way to a first appointment. They are not sure what they will be expected to do or to say. Thankfully, the psychologist knows the right answers to ask and the right way to ask them. Important information that they will ask the first time is the reason you made the appointment, how long you have had the problem. They will ask the severity of how you are feeling. They therapist will also ask questions to get to know you and understand you a little bit. They will want to know how things are working out in the different areas of your life such as within the family, relationships, work, and school.

It is important that you find a good match in your therapist. During this first session you will also get to observe how the person works and their style. At the end of the first session most people feel relieved and comfortable with the therapist. If you don't feel comfortable, feel free to request a consultation with someone else to help you gauge what would work best for you.

"How much is therapy going to cost me?"

When you call for your first appointment, the person making the appointment will tell you how much is the psychologist's professional fee. This fee is based on a 50 minute session, and the first assessment session is usually more expensive. Using this option, you will be able to consult with any psychologist and get treatment based on your actual needs. You will not have to worry about limitations set by the insurance company. In addition, your privacy and the confidentiality of your treatment is best protected in this way.

Some therapists belong to various insurance panels. If you wish to go through your insurance plan, make sure to ask when you call for a first appointment whether the psychotherapist is on your insurance. If that is the case, you may need to obtain an authorization before you see the psychologist. You also may have to meet an annual deductible first and then will pay a co-pay each appointment. Most insurance plans limit the number sessions they allow a year, and they all will require to know at least your diagnosis in order to cover the expense. In addition, make sure that you check the benefits allowed for mental health, as they are very different from your regular medical benefits.